Protected by Emeralds (A Dance with Destiny Book 5) (39 page)

“My heart has been healed in your regard, Brother.”

Seizo accepted her proffered forearm.

Jenevier smiled devilishly. “And I am also filled with a wicked sense of justice.”

His brow furrowed. “Justice, Milady? In what?”

“I have met every lovely maid within your clan, good Seizo.” She looked then to his daughters. “And I can safely say, in rare beauty… they have no equal.”

The mighty Shinobi’s smile was positively beaming. “You speak truth, Your Highness. Even if I were not their father, I would wholeheartedly agree with your words.”

“Would you now?” A knowing smile turned up one corner of her mouth. “Then tell me this. When you were close to
their
age, Brother, what would your thoughts have been—concerning a maid blessed such as they are?”

Jenevier couldn’t help but giggle when the charming ninja’s eyes went wide with realization.

“And now you know from whence comes my wicked sense of justice, Lord Seizo. My aunt called it,
paying for your raising
.” She winked at him then.

Seizo swallowed hard, but she took note of how he immediately grasped their young hands in his, squeezing them gently.

You are an evil Angel, little Naga.

She chuckled. “Not evil, Brother… inspirational. Yes, that’s it, inspirational. I only called to mind what parenthood is often blinded to. And… those two beautiful little girls could ask for no greater protector or defender than is their loving father.”

Yes. Alas, if they should ever find one who wishes to own their heart…
He paused.

“Then he will have to prove himself a warrior without equal—pure of mind, noble of heart, humble enough to fear Lord Seizo, yet wise enough to win a rare maid.”

As it should be.

“Yes, Brother. As it should be.”

Goemon ran toward her, but halted his steps when he took note of the strangers flanking his Empress.

“What stays your greeting, little brother?” She smiled. “Come. I wish you to meet my new friends.” Jenevier linked her arm with Duhrias’s as she spoke. “This gorgeous man to my right is the embodied Spirit of the Rogall River on layer eight. He saved me, Goemon. More than once, I might add. A sell-sword when we met, he now stands as my one and only sworn Knight—sheath to my might.”

Duhrias stepped toward the reluctant Shinobi, hand extended. “It is my pleasure, Lord Goemon.” He shook the ninja’s hand, smiling happily.

Goemon spoke not a word, only stared at the handsome man with the extremely pronounced dimples.

“And this lovely young thing to my left,” Jenevier said, turning to face Cherie. “Is the enchanting Forest Spirit known as Cherry Blossom.”

The girl smiled as she shook the young ninja’s proffered hand. “Cherie is fine. That’s my name, Cherie.” She blushed. “Cherry Blossom was what the older folk often called me.”

“A lovely name for an even lovelier lady.” Goemon bowed to her but didn’t break their gaze.

*****

After too much delicious food and an evening filled with amazing Shinobi magic, the three unexpected visitors were welcomed into Orochimaru’s home… even though Hanzo practically begged them to stay with him and Hinata.

“Trouble not your heart over this, Lord Hanzo.” Jenevier gently patted his arm. “We will be fine. Besides, I never dreamed an invitation of
any
kind from your strange brother there,” she whispered as she glanced over to the waiting ninja master. “Perhaps he is finally warming up to me.”

“I wouldn’t count on it,” Hanzo grumbled.

Jenevier bit her lip to keep from giggling.

Hinata walked up beside her husband and smiled sweetly. “If you need
anything
, Empress Naga, please do not hesitate to ask.”

“Gratitude, Lady Ono. Your hospitality is second to none. You and your entire family hold a special place in my heart, and you always will.”

“Worry not, old friends.” Orochimaru approached them and bowed slightly. “No matter how scary I may look or how stern I may act… I promise not to eat our lovely Empress
or
her charming new friends. On my honor.”

A tiny smile tugged at one corner of his mouth. When Jenevier saw it, she couldn’t help but giggle.

The elder Shinobi reached for her then. “Come, Milady. I will see to your comfort this evening.”

When Jenevier moved to take the man’s proffered hand, Duhrias immediately stepped in front of her.

“Gratitude for your kindness, Milord.” The River Spirit motioned with a nod of his head. “Please, lead the way.”

Jenevier rolled her eyes as she took Cherie’s hand and walked past the glaring men. “Well… now that we are all friends here, it is this way, is it not?”

Orochimaru only gave the handsome River Spirit a small (albeit creepy) smile, and turned to follow the parting women.

Duhrias growled under his breath.

*****

Jenevier lay there, smiling as she gazed upon the ageless young face of the centuries old Forest Spirit, listening to Cherie’s tiny dream-filled murmurings.

An eternal child
, she thought.

Alas, no matter how hard she tried, sleep was a blessing not to be bestowed upon her this night. She strolled out into the bright moonlight and took a deep, filling breath.

“Ahh… my beloved Jinn,” she whispered. “Balm for my troubled soul.”

“I presumed as much.” Orochimaru spoke softly with his approach. “Sweet rest eludes you, does it not, Milady?”

She smiled but did not turn to face him. “Have you come to confide in me that your secret abilities cover the art of soothsaying as well? Or were you spinning a magical web over me, keeping the Sandman at bay?”

Orochimaru chuckled. “Nothing of the sort, Your Highness. Alas, I could clearly see the change within you at first glance.” Coming to stand beside her, he looked down from the corner of his eye. “There is no human left within you. Sleep is no longer necessary, Milady. If ever your eyes close in slumber, it will be born from habit, not need.”

She looked up to meet his sideways glance.

He smiled slightly. “But from your loss of sleep comes a new blessing. You no longer have to pine for the moon, Your Grace. It now watches over half your life.” The great Shinobi did not turn to face her, but gently took her hand in his. “You will never miss another sunset, never fail to greet the beautiful dawn, and never again will your angelic skin be hidden from the glorious rays of those enchanting moons up there.”

Jenevier turned to look at them as he spoke, squeezing his hand as she did.

“Gratitude, Brother. With your beautiful words, you have removed the sting from my current reality. With wonderful thoughts such as those dancing about within me, how could I ever resent sleeplessness? I know not why you chose to grant me such a kindness, Elder Mori, but I am truly glad you did.”

“Walk with me.”

He did not wait for her answer, and she did not resist the tug upon her hand.

“I was merely waiting for the moment I could return the kindness you have shown me,” he said.

“Shown you? In what way have I ever blessed you so, Brother?”

“You love Yui with more ferocity than anyone ever has.” He sighed wearily. “By the time he was born, I knew the truth of his lineage. I offer no excuses for my behavior. I did not mistreat the boy. Alas… I did not show him love, either. The amazing man that lad has turned out to be, well… it was a feat he mastered on his own. He did not learn thus from me.”

Jenevier did not speak. She knew Orochimaru was seeking neither her praise, her pity, nor her admonition. He simply wanted to talk, and she granted him the respect of her silence.

“He never formed attachments of the heart. His amazing leadership, undeniable loyalty, and remarkable sense of honor were naturally born within him. Yet… he did not know of love. Not until he met you. Whether you intended it or no, you are the sole keeper of his heart. The Angels you gave birth to as he helped you that tragic day… they are his sons—the sons of his heart. Same as if they had been produced from his own loins.”

The burning tears began to spill down her cheeks. Jenevier’s heart contracted, ached. She missed her old friend, missed him so badly… it caused her physical pain. Still, she did not speak.

This you already knew, Naga. Yet hearing it spoken so plainly, especially from this man… I weep within you as well
, Nilakanta whispered.

“Do you know the true fate of my brother?” Orochimaru softly said. “Do you know what happened to Mikage Abe?”

She reflexively stiffened in response to his casual question, but then released a long breath.

“Do not ask questions you do not truly want the answer to, Master Orochimaru.”

“Oh, but I do want to know. Ill or nay, I wish to hear the truth of it.”

They walked on several more paces before she finally spoke.

“Very well, then. The truth is… Mikage Abe now knows more misery than any creature that went before him, and any creature that may come after. Except for perhaps Musashi,” she mumbled under her breath. “Apologies, Elder Mori… but your brother, well, he broke the darkest of all hearts—shattered it into a million tiny pieces. If a man wishes to crack open hell, he should be prepared for hell to spill forth from the fracture.”

“As it should be.”

Jenevier smiled sadly. “Yes, as it should be.”

Orochimaru turned to face her then. “Your Highness, do you wish to be parted from your Dragon now?”

She almost stumbled backwards at the suggestion. “I-I am not certain. W-why would you ask me such a thing, and out of the blue like that?”

“Fear not, Milady.” When he closed his lavender eyes, it seemed as if his face had disappeared entirely. “When you are ready, come to me, Empress. I can ease your pain and help with the separation. There is no hurry. I only wished to offer you my services… when the time is right.”

Without thought, she placed her hand over her heart, a bit rattled. “I must admit, Master Mori. I did not expect such a kindness from you. I am truly grateful.”

“Your gratefulness is not necessary, Empress Naga. Yet I am pleased to hear it.” He paused for a moment. “Tell me one thing more.”

“If I know the answer, you may have it.”

He inclined his head respectfully toward her. “Why did you bring the Spirits back with you? What are you trying to accomplish?”

She sighed wearily, her shoulders slumping with the action. “Ahh… Master Orochimaru, you see too much.”

“Yes, Milady, this is true.”

“Then, you know my reasons?”

“Not in whole, Your Highness. I cannot see the entire picture, not clearly. Yet I can see you are intent upon meddling just a bit, are you not?”

She looked deep into his beautiful lavender eyes. “I seek the same thing you do, Brother. Be it answers or amends, forgiveness or redemption…” Her words trailed off.

“Or assurance,” he whispered. “You have no choice but to accept your wings. I am in awe of you, Milady. You have turned into an Empress the likes of which this realm has never known.” He lightly touched her cheek. “Listen, Milady. A commander who holds her troop’s hearts higher than her own—you are a leader without equal. I bow at your feet, now and always, Your Highness.”

“You give me too much credit, Master Mori. I can only aspire to be the ruler you speak of. Yet I wish for nothing more than to see my people thrive in all things. Be it love or honor, trade or art, I only wish them peace and happiness. If I have to do a bit of
meddling
to see my dream come to fruition, then wish me well in it, Brother.”

“Oh, and I do, Your Highness. I will also bless you with a word of caution. Forget not… hearts are rather fragile things. They can be a bit fickle at times as well.”

Wise words from a wise Shinobi… heed them, Naga.

Yes, Dragon… I know, I know.

*****

Jenevier only smiled when she felt the soft feathers brush against her arm. She did not turn to face her dark company, simply looked down at her bare feet swinging in the moonlight, dangling off Orochimaru’s front porch.

“Are you well, my love?” he whispered.

She glanced sideways, barely looking upon the dark Prince she had once blended with.

“He told you, didn’t he?”

“No, little one, Ahriman spoke not a word. He did not have to. All of hell yet trembles with his wicked fury—an unbearable pain to which there is no end.” He tenderly tucked some of her curls back behind her ear. “
We
know such pain, do we not, my love?”

“Yes, and to the point… I am almost growing accustomed to it,” she whispered.

“No, no. Shhh… do not say such things, lovely Angel. If I thought your heart was truly turning to stone… I would pound on heaven’s door—demand they send Varick back to you.”

She smiled. “Would you now? And since such a thing is not possible, what would you do when they refused you?”